By Vanessa Ybarra

Hundreds gather at cenotaph to honour Battle of Vimy Ridge

Apr 9, 2017 | 1:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The sun peaked its head out of the clouds just in time for the city’s ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge Sunday afternoon.

On April 9 1917, allied forces comprised of mainly Canadian troops, invaded Vimy Ridge in Northern France.

It was the first time all four Canadian divisions fought together as one formation, with German troops surrendering four days later. 

Sunday’s ceremony at the downtown cenotaph was one of hundreds held throughout the country.

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Kamloops Rocky Mountain Rangers Regiment Lieutenant-Colonel Normand Dionne and retired Canadian Armed Forces soldier George Dursch recounted the events of the battle and spoke of the sacrifices Canadian soldiers made to make Canada the free and democratic society it is today.

South-Thompson MLA Todd Stone, MP Cathy McLeod, and Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar also made a speech in front of the large-sized crowd. 

According to the Vimy Foundation, 3,598 Canadian soldiers were killed during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.